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Charleston Wine and Food Festival

Surviving Sunday in the Culinary Village

At this year’s Charleston Wine and Food Festival, I attended the Culinary Village in Marion Square. This is my second year. And like last year, I chose to go on Sunday because they offer a “local resident” ticket at just $95.00 versus the regular price of $135.00. I may decide to pay the extra $40.00 and go on Friday or Saturday next year to see if I am missing anything.

Charleston Wine and Food

Start with a Hearty Breakfast

One of the things I learned last year is that the food lines are obscenely long. And when you get to the food, it is a bite.  That is right; a bite. Then you start all over and get to the back of another line. That is not the case with the beer, wine or liquor so before you know it you are “wasted.” and starving. So I promised myself this year to be sure and eat a hearty, filling breakfast before this 5-hour day-drinking adventure begins. And I did just that by preparing an open-faced breakfast sandwich for Gary and me. It was perfect. Two slices of lightly toasted, Artisan Grit Bread from Tiller Bakery topped with mayonnaise, a fried egg, melted cheddar cheese, half an avocado and two slices of bacon. Hit. The. Spot. We were now ready for the day.Charleston Wine and Food

Charleston Wine and Food * Rosé Garden and Corkyard

I loved that the Rosé Garden (a sponsor showcase) and the Corkyard (wine area) were in the same quadrant and connected. So connected that you had to walk through the Rosé Garden to get to the Corkyard which made for a cohesive wine area. It was also really great that they were both tented and carpeted this year. That made for a much more enjoyable experience.

Charleston Wine and Food
Friends Bryan and Craig before their first sip.

Charleston Wine and Food

One of the best things about this festival is running into and hanging with so many friends.

Charleston Wine and Food
That’s my Gary on the left; neighbor Natalie aka @snoopnattynat; snowbirds Bryan & Craig; and our friend Erin aka @erinkienzle; and me kneeling in front.
Charleston Wine and Food
Friends Chris upper left and Mel lower right with Nat and me. Yes, Chris is wondering why his glass is empty.
Charleston Wine and Food
We ran into Erin again this time with her husband Jason aka @dinnerondad along with two of their friends.

Charleston Wine and Food * The Wine, the Wine, The Wine

Charleston Wine and Food
Backsberg Estate Cellars from South Africa shared some affordable and delicious wines.
The Pinotage Rosé, Chenin Blanc and the Cap Classique Brut (sparkling) were my favorites.
A favorite wine poured last year and happy to see them back again in 2019.
The folks at Justin served a great Bordeaux-style Red Blend and a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon among others.
Charleston Wine and Food
Landmark was pouring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in both a Single Vineyard bottling and mixed California AVA bottling.
How about this Stemmari Nero d’Avola Rosé from Sicily! Yum!
Charleston Wine and Food
Ok, so this was a rosé and fruit sangria of sorts. The guy in the background was passing this around. It was good, but I have no idea what was in it. And yes, this is pulled from Erin’s Instagram feed.

Other favorites included Opolo Mountain Zinfandel and their Albariño. Both of these wines were extra special.

 

As were several wines from Iris Vineyards including their Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Of all of the food that I had the opportunity to taste, these Coal Roasted Oysters from Executive Chef Drake Leonards (@drakeleonards) from Eunice Restaurant in New Orleans was far and above the best bite in the Village.

Charleston Wine and Food

We also got new T-shirt ideas.

Will Trade Husband for Wine

And we ran into readers who recognized us from last year. Hey Caitlyn and Caroline!

Charleston Wine and Food
Hey, ladies! Thanks for taking a moment with us. Cheers!

And so the 2019 festival is in the bag, and we had a blast.

Charleston Wine and Food

See you next year!

Charleston Wine and Food


That is all for now!

Cheers,

rick



 

3 Comments

  1. Looks like such a great time! I need to make a point to get out there at some point for the festival!

  2. hmm. sounds like a great event. Seeing other Paso wineries there, wonder if we can get involved.

    • I’m sure you could.

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